An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. Think of it as a waiter in a restaurant. You (the application) tell the waiter (the API) what you want, and they bring it back from the kitchen (the server or database).
How APIs Work
When you use an app on your phone to check the weather, that app sends a request to a weather service's API. The API processes the request, fetches the data, and sends it back in a format the app can understand and display.
Types of APIs
- REST APIs: The most common type, using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
- GraphQL: A newer approach that lets clients request exactly the data they need
- SOAP: An older, more rigid protocol often used in enterprise systems
- WebSocket APIs: For real-time, two-way communication
Why APIs Matter for Your Business
APIs enable:
- Integration: Connect your website to payment processors, email services, CRMs
- Automation: Sync data between systems without manual work
- Scalability: Build on top of existing services instead of building everything from scratch
- Mobile Apps: Power mobile applications with the same backend as your website